Scratch That Trophy-Less Cabinet — The Queens Have Arrived!

- Thilak R

Athletics isn’t among India’s most popular sports but cricket clearly is. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has had its say on the matter. 

Men’s cricket had its fair share of success, particularly the 1983 World Cup win and later, with T20 cricket gaining immense popularity after the 2007 T20 World Cup and the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008. There was no turning back from there. The BCCI, the cash cow, the big daddy, the revolution of Indian cricket took a big turn.

But… was it the same with women’s cricket?

Nah, nah..! Their history is not one of mediocrity, but of quiet, unrelenting struggle that began right from their inception. They’ve had their struggles right from birth. The first Test at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in 1976 against the West Indies was led by the inspirational captain Shantha Rangaswamy. Back then, women’s cricket was administered by the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI), which lacked proper funding and resources.

Self-funding wasn’t uncommon. Travel and accommodation were often managed out of pocket. Institutional differences, government interference and even the 1988 World Cup was a notable example and a constant lack of recognition weighed heavily on the players. And let’s not forget the misogynistic criticism they faced throughout. For frontierswomen like Diana Edulji, the first WODI captain,  getting a job wasn't a walk on a cake; it was a matter of survival. She actually had to go directly to the Railways Minister to personally request employment just so she could be one of the first female cricketers to have a secure job under the sports quota.

Things gradually began to change in 2006 when the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI) merged with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in response to the International Cricket Council’s directive to consolidate both men’s and women’s cricket under one roof. This marked the first time there was a sense of structure and accountability. Central contracts, improved facilities, and exposure to international tournaments started becoming available to them. However, progress wasn’t instantaneous; it required years of persistent effort and performances that demanded attention.

The turning point arrived with the 2017 Women’s World Cup held in England. Led by Mithali Raj and fueled by the explosive batting of Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian team captivated millions of fans back home. Although they ultimately finished as runners-up, this campaign shifted the narrative. People who had never followed women’s cricket began discussing it. Suddenly, the women’s game was no longer relegated to the sidelines; it had earned its own spotlight.

Since then, the growth has been consistent. The launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023 finally provided women cricketers with the stage they had long deserved platform where international stars and homegrown talents could compete together, just as FairBreak did globally. The focus has shifted from comparison to recognition, representation, and respect.

Women’s cricket in India has made remarkable progress from self-funded tours and borrowed kits to packed stadiums and prime-time broadcasts. The journey has been challenging, but it has been extraordinary. And if history serves as a guide, this is merely the beginning of a promising future. 

The wait is finally OVER! That trophy-less cabinet? Consider it history. The girls have done it, they’ve shaken hands with destiny, ending a 40-year wait for the nation. All those jibes about missing an ICC title? Gone with the wind. Years of relentless hard work and toe-to-toe battles have earned them this crowning glory. The championship we once only dreamed of is now a glorious reality -  a moment etched in gold.! A Thousand glories to the queens...!